Liverpool to use Andy Carroll as bargaining chip to bring Newcastle's Ben Arfa to Anfield

As we all know Liverpool's current number 9 Andy Carroll is out on loan at West Ham after being told he is surplus to requirements by boss Brendan Rodgers. Carroll seems to have found his feet and the goals have started to come his way after netting twice against West Brom, but alot of uncertainty still surrounds the strikers future.

Brendan Rodgers doesn't see the 6 ft 2 man as part of his plans at Liverpool and West Ham seem to be reluctant to take up the option to sign the player permanently enter Newcastle United.

Newcastle United are said to be keen on re-signing the player they let leave the North East in 2011 (Dailypost, Chroniclelive, Dailymail) and owner Mike Ashley is happy to see the player return for a knockdown fee.

Liverpool however have different plans with Brendan Rodgers keen on Newcastle's Hatem Ben Arfa making the switch to Merseyside as part of any deal.

According to scouting reports Rodgers has had the French International tracked all season, keeping an eye on his fitness and progress and believes he would slot seamlessly into the right side of Liverpool's attack.

Rodgers said in March: “I am happy with the squad if I can add another three or four quality players to it. We are after quality, not quantity.”